SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson presidents support hotel, housing project

POTSDAM  The presidents of the villages two colleges have voiced their support for a hotel, conference center and multipurpose housing project in Lehman Park.

SUNY Potsdam is continuing to develop plans for the Raquette Village at Lehman Park project, submitting a proposal for a NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant in October.

This priority project, identified in SUNY Potsdams Facilities Master Plan, fulfills community and economic development visions for our regions future, while also contributing to the Colleges continued growth, said John F. Schwaller, SUNY Potsdam president.I believe that this proposal can and will bring energy to our campus and our region, in a public/private partnership that would create lasting jobs and sustained economic impact, while showcasing the natural beauty of the Raquette River.

Lehman Park is a swath of land across from the SUNY Potsdam campus on the west side of Pierrepont Avenue and stretching to the Raquette River, where it overlooks the Clarkson University campus.

This is very exciting for me, as a SUNY Potsdam alumnus, to work with a great team at my alma mater, Mr. Warner said.To bring a project to Potsdam that will have such a positive economic impact on the greater community is an amazing opportunity.

Mr. Warner received a bachelors degree in economics from SUNY Potsdam, before earning a Master of Business Administration at Clarkson University.

A SUNY Potsdam news release said Mr. Warner had received financing for an 85-room hotel at the park.

Clarkson President Anthony G. Collins also backs the initiative.

Given that this project embodies several of the strategies outlined in the North Country Regional Economic Development Councils winning Strategic Plan, and that its impact would benefit the Potsdam community, St. Lawrence County and the region as a whole, I strongly support further exploration of this proposal, Mr. Collins said.

SUNY Potsdam would oversee the construction of a 120-unit residential complex that would combine town houses, cottages and condominiums.

The units would be marketed toward graduate and non-traditional students, faculty, alumni and retirees.

Raquette Village would create an estimated 73 full- and part-time permanent positions, in addition to dozens of construction jobs. SUNY Potsdam estimated the project would generate $13.6 million in new economic activity for the region each year.

The additional short-term impact during construction would add approximately 64 jobs and $23.9 million annually for four years.

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